Sad summer and fearless predictions for the 2011-12 season

It’s been a few months since my last blog, but with the Hockey season around the corner I figured it’s time to do one for the upcoming season.

I would like to start off with sending my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien, Wade Belak, and to all that that lost their lives in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl air tragedy.   Has a hockey fan since, god knows when, this summer has been the hardest I’ve ever witnessed, and I must say that I shed a tear for all those that were lost.

Since the start of the Pre-Season it’s been a fun couple of weeks.  With Brendan Shanahan becoming the new disciplinarian in the NHL, he hasn’t shied away from sending a strong message that dirty hits to the head will be punished and he doesn’t shy away from the camera to explain his decision.   This is something that every disciplinarian in every major league should do.  His clear explanations and the use of videos to show the situation has been top notch.   Some of penalties he’s handed out as included an 11 game suspension (pre-season and regular season total) to James Wisniewski, plus a 10 game suspension to Jody Shelley of the Flyers, are just a few of the unlucky players to face the new sheriff.  The main question remains though, how will Shanahan deal when a star player, as in Mike Richards, Chris Pronger, Alexander Ovechkin and others do the same crime?  Only time will tell.

Last night, following the pre-season game between the Rangers and Flyers, Avery went on ESPN NY radio station and accused Flyers Wayne Simmonds of calling him a derogatory word, that I shall not repeat in this blog.   Now, I don’t agree with that word or a few other words that I shall not repeat either, being thrown around the ice, however when you are a grown man playing a man’s game and being one of the worst trash talkers (if we can call him that) in the game.  You run and cry to a reporter that a player called you a bad named, my level of respect for the guy (Which was very low to start with) totally disappears.   Avery had done much worst things on the ice, and I’m sure that he’s said much worst also, so grow up and be a man, or in Avery’s case grow a set of balls.

Now, time for my fearless predictions for the upcoming season.

---  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will begin the season in Edmonton, will lead all rookies in scoring and win the Calder season.

--- Ron Wilson will not finish the season as Head Coach of the Maple Leafs.

---  No local buyer will emerge to rescue the Phoenix Coyotes, and Gary Bettman will finally allow the sale and move of the Franchise to either Quebec or Hamilton.

---  The Montreal Canadiens will have two 30 goal scorers this season in Mike Cammalleri and Erik Cole.

--- The Winnipeg Jets will be a major success during the season and make the playoffs.

--- Sidney Crosby will return this season and finish in the top 5 in scoring.

--- Ottawa Senators will finally go an entire season without an injury to their starting goaltender.

--- Drew Doughty and the Los Angeles Kings will not come to a contract agreement, and the Kings will trade Doughty away in fear of losing him in the off-season for nothing.

--- Following another subpar season from the New Jersey Devils, Martin Brodeur will announce his retirement at the end of the season.

--- Boston Bruins will not repeat has Stanley Cup champions, they will be shocked in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets.

--- Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the San Jose Sharks for the Stanley Cup, with the Sharks winning their first ever Cup.

Thank you reading my latest blog, and I will return next week with my look and take on the 2011-12 Montreal Canadians.

Habs active during UFA

We are in full swing of the Unrestricted Free Agency period in the NHL and I must say that at this time, I’m very happy with the 2 signings, GM Pierre Gauthier made.

With several fans wanting Jagr or Semin in the mix, I for one am extremely happy that we got neither player.  We are already paying Scott Gomez a shitload of money for doing absolutely nothing.  So we didn’t need more players like that with the Habs.

Instead the Habs went out and got, IMO an excellent player in Erik Cole.  Cole, whose 32 years old signed a 4 year deal worth $18 million.  In my opinion, Cole will bring some leadership to the Habs and experience.  He’s got great vision on the ice and for the net also.   Last year, he was 4^th in GWG with a total of 9, that means that he’s a clutch performer and a player you can count on in the last minutes of a game.

Some of you might say that his only success has been in Carolina, cause his short stint in Edmonton was a disaster.  True, however he did not have his heart in Edmonton, while here he wants to come to Montreal.  Captain Brian Gionta did a good job at selling Montreal to Cole, and I can easily see Cole playing on our top 2 lines. 

With this signing, I can actually see the Habs having 3 very solid lines, that could really complement each other.  

Habs also signed former Avalanche # 1 goalie Peter Budaj to a 2 year deal to back up Carey Price.  Budaj is a player that IMO never lived up to expectations, and might be getting a second chance of life in the NHL with the Habs.   Budaj, will be an excellent back up that can fill the roll if something happens to Price.

I for one would of loved someone a little older, to be able to continue and mentor Price, however Budaj is not a bad option between the pipes.

Habs are still trying finalize a deal with Josh Gorges.   I would love nothing better , than having Josh signed a long term deal in Montreal.  He’s really come on his own here, and has all the skills and poise to be an excellent leader and possibly future Captain of the Habs.

I hope that the Habs continue on the right path, and continue to improve, so we fans can have some great long post-season hockey like in years past.

My Habs Draft Wish List.

With the NHL draft a little more than a week away, I figured I would look at possible picks for the Montreal Canadiens.

Now , do keep in mind that this is my wish list on the top 5 guys that could still be there at the 17^th round.

1)        Mark McNeill,  Center, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

McNeill is a strong smart Power Forward.   He’s a hard worker that doesn’t take a backseat to anything or anyone.    His hockey sense is excellent and not afraid to go to the net and a nitty gritty forward.   His size is his biggest asset at 6’1”, 204 pounds, he knows how to use his size to his advantage.   Last season played RW, so he’s adaptable and could really help with the Power Forward need for the Habs.   He also played the point on the PP so having him back there with Subban in a couple of years could be perfect for the Habs PP.

2)       Zack Phillips, Center, St John Seadogs (QMJHL)

Ranked # 9 in the Hockey News Draft guide, Phillips is a good play making centermen, with a smart head and good vision of the ice.   Has a great gift for play making, and finding the net, however is biggest problem is his size, a small centermen that lacks size, and skating.  His skating is not very solid, but that is something that you can still work on.  I watched Phillips play for the past 2 season and liked his poised and vision on the ice.  

3)       Brandon Saad, Left Wing, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

A big left winger that is an excellent 2 way player, that would fit perfectly in Jacques Martin system.  He’s responsible in all zones, and makes smart decisions with the puck.  He got 55 points in 59 games last season, that as a good balance of speed, passing and shooting.   He’s very strong on the puck and rarely makes mistake on the ice.

4)       Tyler Biggs,  Right Wing,  US development Program

 

This kid is a nitty gritty grinder that backs down from no one.  He’s a rough and tough Power Forward that will get dirty in the corners and fight for position in front of the net.   A lot of scouts says that he’s a pain like his father Don Biggs was.   The Habs could use a player like this that will get under the skin of their opponents (a la Brad Marchand).  Expected to play in the NCAA with Miami University this upcoming season.

5)       Nathan Beaulieu, Defense, St John Seadogs (QMJHL)

Beaulieu finally came out of the shadow of playing for his father in St. John.  When, his dad left, Beaulieu made a big impact on the blue line being a reliable 2 way defensemen.   This season he played with an edge collecting 45 points in 65 games.   He’s the type of defensemen that brings up his game a notch in important games and playoffs.  Smart heads up defensemen that is just as strong following the rush, or staying at home clearing the front of the net.

Here 5 guys that I would love to see the Habs select.   Agree or disagree let me know what you think.  All opinions are welcome.

That’s it for now. 

Welcome 2011 Playoffs

With the NHL Regular season coming to an end, it’s time for the real season to begin.   The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs promises to be exciting, from long time rivalries, to old time veterans in searched of the holy grail, to young guys dreaming of finally realizing their childhood dreams.

Here are my predictions for the upcoming 1^st Round action.

Eastern Conference

Washington Capital (1)   Vs.   New York Rangers (8)

Season Series:  New York won season series 3-1.

Advantages.

Offense:  Washington

Defense:  Washington

Goaltending:  New York

The Capitals possibly have one of the most dangerous offense in the NHL .  They will be looking to avenge their early last year, and unfortunately for the Rangers they are going to feel the wrath of the Capitals.

Prediction:  Washington in 5.

Philadelphia Flyers (2)   Vs.  Buffalo Sabres (7)

Season Series:  Tied at 2.

Advantages

Offense:  Philadelphia

Defense:  Philadelphia

Goaltending:  Buffalo.

This series is really intriguing as the Sabres have all the tools to pull out the upset of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finalist.   But, it will all depend on the health of Ryan Miller.   With an healthy Miller, and a tight checking game by the Sabres, we could see our First upset of the Playoffs.

Prediction:  Buffalo in 6

Boston Bruins (3)    Vs.   Montreal Canadiens (6)

Season Series:  Montreal won season series  4-2

Advantages

Offense:  Even

Defense:  Boston

Goaltending:  Even

This is the one series that every hockey fan in the world wanted to see.  Forget about the Fight Night in Boston, or the Chara-Paccioreti incident.  This series will be a battle of size and grit against speed and skills.    This series will be determined possibly on which goalie will outplay the other.

Predictions:  Montreal in 7

Pittsburgh Penguins (4)   Vs.  Tampa Bay Lightning (5)

Season Series:  Tied at 2

Advantages

Offense:  Tampa Bay

Defense:  Pittsburgh

Goaltending:  Pittsburgh

This is one series that will be based on skills and talent alone.   Both teams have some great playmakers, and can really light it up.   I’m thinking that the main difference in this series will be the absence of Crosby and Malkin.

Prediction:  Tampa Bay in 7

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks (1)    Vs.   Chicago Blackhawks (8)

Season Series:  Tied at 2

Advantages

Offense:  Vancouver

Defense:  Even

Goaltending:  Vancouver.

The Canucks are taking on their main adversaries in the 1^st round and it might be just what the Dr. ordered.   The Hawks are not the same team that won the Cup last season, and the absence of David Bolland will be to the Canucks advantage.

Prediction:   Vancouver in 6

San Jose Sharks (2)    Vs.  Los Angelas Kings(7)

Season Series:  Tied at 3

Advantages

Offense:  San Jose

Defense:  San Jose

Goaltending:  San Jose

This series should be a walk in the park for San Jose.  They have veterans in all positions and should not have any trouble with the young Kings.    LA will be force for some years to come, but they are not there yet.

Prediction:  San Jose in 5

Detroit Red Wings (3)    Vs.   Phoenix Coyotes  (6)

Season Series:  Tied at 2

Advantages

Offense:  Even

Defense:  Detroit

Goaltending:  Phoenix

This series will be interesting, as it’s a battle of the old guards Vs. the young warriors.   Detroit as experience, but also have the older players, and a couple of key injuries.   The biggest question mark for the Wings is in goal.  Can Jimmy Howard lead the Wings in the playoff.  Personally, I don’t believe he can.

Prediction:  Phoenix in 6

Anaheim Ducks (4)   Vs.   Nashville Predators (5)

Season Series:  Nashville won season series 3-1

Advantages

Offense:  Anaheim

Defense:  Nashville

Goaltending:  Even

This will be a great series that should be based on skills and finesse.   Nashville’s key goal will be to counter the Perry line, and they should see success. 

Prediction:  Nashville in 7

There you have it, my First Round Predictions.   Let me know what you think and share your predictions.    Comments are always welcome.

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